Back in the day, Autumn 1978 to be precise, 2 singles released within a month of each other, changed this writer's musical life for ever, at the tender age
of 13. Manchester’s post pop punk icons Buzzcocks released Ever Fallen In Love, closely followed by the strangely named Public Image, with their debut single by the same name. I didn’t get the ‘fish and chips' newspaper cover unfortunately, I wasn’t that streetwise, but the green envelope containing the 7” black vinyl with Virgin across the record label still sits proudly  in my record case.

So fast forward 37 years, and with a 10th studio LP out in the public domain and selling well, post punk pioneer John Lydon was back with his latest line up, still intact 6 years after reforming the band in its latest guise.

An early start (which nearly caught out those of us in a crowd of 53,000 for the match which had just finished up the road) but a healthy turn out none-the-less. Someone said cheaper tickets might have guaranteed another sell out to the growing list on this tour, but as we’re constantly reminded, you only get what you pay for, and quality costs.

Double Trouble from the band’s latest offering opened the evening; punchy, witty, driving bass and catchy guitars, and as with so many PIL songs, a beat which has you humming it in your head for decades after. Lydon, complete with pulpit, baggy trousers and unique jacket, and black spectacles, (he reminded me of the late Tony Wilson from a distance) seemed in good shape. One of my personal favourites, Deeper Water would follow soon after. Not sure if there were any 'Academy' technical issues early doors (I prefer The Ritz). I needn’t have worried though, as a delicious version of the old classic Poptones would get everyone into a party mood.

It soon became apparent the smoke machines weren’t the only things producing funny smells, as Lydon himself made reference to later on, I felt like I’d had a fivers worth of weed free myself, not that I wanted or need it, PIL is the drug of choice for most of us. Death Disco is always one of those ’must play live’ songs,  the initiated need no further introduction,  the loss of a close family member is something most people couldn’t put into words, John Lydon did, and it has the same profound effect on me and no doubt many others here tonight (much as Eric Clapton’s Tears In Heaven would have on a wider audience years after Death Disco‘s release, following the death of his son).

The usual crowd favourites, Disappointed and Rise, saw rousing renditions; equally the intensity and vocal delivery of Religion by Lydon was a timely reminder to us all that he is deadly serious about the impact it has on the world we live in.

The strong bond between the band members is obvious, during One Drop, we learned that Bruce is a native of Bristol, Scott is from Liverpool (Birkenhead actually, a bit like saying Salford is in Manchester lol), and Lu from Welwyn Garden City, ‘I’m from Finsbury Park, and I’m having a lark’ we already know of course John!

The encore saw the single that started it all played to perfection, a song which must be in every good musician and fan's top 10 of all time, stored as my phone ring tone for posterity. The two hours had passed in a flash, and it was time to depart, the curfew wins again. The lollipop mob were begging for more, a twice yearly fix of PIL would be nice please.

Alas, we didn’t get Flowers of Romance, (I’m gonna sit on top of Box Hill one day), Memories (played the night before in Glasgow), Open Up, Careering, or Annalisa, but what we did hear was the very reason this band will never leave our hearts, or minds. Four very accomplished musicians, plying their trade, earning an honest living, and hopefully winning some new converts amongst the youthful element of the crowd.

The same message still applies, catch PIL live whilst you still can, once they hang up their boots for the last time, only Memories will remain….

Review by SEAN RILEY - PIL til we die!

(Note from Phil: Sean enjoyed the show so much he tweeted the following day "any1 with a helicopter spare to whiz me up there for start? Got major withdrawal symptons need another #PIL fix! Enjoy Newcastle!")

Top Photo: Paul Rogers @Paul9921

Buckley, North Wales 26th September 2015 >

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